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Good question, ceebs. I think that if you do what you can, then you've done enough. I know you're Catholic, but there is a scripture in the Book of Mormon that says it better than I: Mosiah 4:27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order. To me this means that the Lord only expects us to do what we can. God is a God of order and care. He cares about you just as much as he cares about your neighbor. So if your best is doing the 5 houses rather than the 6th, then you've pleased God and you can be satisfied. Obviously, you haven't pleased neighbor #6, but if it's that big a deal, send a shovel with cookies on the shovel part (use decorative plastic wrap). Cookies makes everything better!

I'm making tentative plans to attend GC in SLC in April. Once I finalized my plans, I'll let you know. I know that I will definitely be in Utah for BYU EdWeek in August. Perhaps as the time draws closer and I haven't ticked off too many people, we can have a to-do at that time as well.

I don't think he's a family member. I've done some genealogy and we have Bovines, Cattle, Steers, a small branch of Bulls, but mainly our family comes from the Heifers.

This has been my pet topic recently. I'm 1st counselor in the RSP in my ward and I've noticed many, many times new sisters or visitors sitting alone in RS. I've talked about getting out of our comfort zones and invite someone into our circle. I learned a long time ago that going to church doesn't require friends or socialization....but it sure makes it easier. I often quote the scripture from Moroni 6: 5 And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. 6 And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus. How can you meet together oft and speak with another if no one talks to you? I do want to stress that although I feel the greater burden is on the active members of a ward, I do believe that everyone has a responsibility to at least try to speak to others. I understand shyness and introverts. But, trying is required (some person's efforts vary from another's). So, I think that it is important to have members of the church (no matter what the denomination) as friends. But I also think that we shouldn't limit ourselves to having friends of only one denomination. My best friend from high school is a Nazarene. My best friend from college is LDS. I value both of their friendships and admire and love them equally.

Thanks, guys. Here I am trying to thank you all for being a goofball and you have go and be nice goofballs. And I have a confession: I'm a cannibal. I love steak so my family members are very cautious around me. Hmmm, family Christmas on Sunday...where's my A1?

First, shame isn't a very helpful feeling. I think guilt is a better feeling, because oftentimes guilt will incur action. Shame incurs hiding. Perhaps if you understand a little of the Bishop's responsibilities you may feel more comfortable. His job (if you will) is to be a spiritual guide for you. He cannot condemn you. He does not have that right. He has been blessed by the Lord to feel compassion and love as well as be guided by the Spirit to guide individuals (specifically, YOU) to greater peace and happiness. This doesn't mean that you won't be required to do some hard things. You will. But, the wonderful aspect of talking with the Bishop is you will actually FEEL his love and God's love for you. It will be a physical feeling. Start first by just going to church. Introduce yourself to the bishop and let him know you need to speak to him. Then when you do meet with him, if you don't feel you can "confess" that's ok. Simply tell him of your desires to change your life and that you need to do it a step at a time. Who said you need to confess all on your first meeting with the bishop? Maybe you will, perhaps you can't. He will likely want to meet with you on a regular basis (whatever regular is for the 2 of you). T he missionaries can help, but even greater help will be some good home teachers. These will be men from your ward (congregation) who will visit you and help you. Ask that you be assigned to a couple of gentlemen who will visit you regularly. They will become your friends who will be there to help you. Take the plunge and go to church Sunday.

kona, my brother would like that elf 12 days. I loved the Straight No Chaser dudes! I like the Christmas in Africa version.

2 Nephi 32:8-9 8 And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the aSpirit which teacheth a man to bpray ye would know that ye must cpray; for the devil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray. 9 But behold, I say unto you that ye must apray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall bpray unto the Father in the cname of Christ, that he will dconsecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the ewelfare of thy soul. It's Satan who is putting these thoughts that you have to be worthy to go to church, pray, read scriptures, etc. Jesus was a Healer--not a museum curator. He came to the sick, not the whole. When the thoughts that you aren't worthy to pray or to go to church come, then immediately remember Christ's love for you. Even if you can't feel His love, KNOW He loves you. Trust the scriptures. Trust Him to know YOU, really know you. Contact your bishop. He is there to help you--he'll love and guide you, not condemn you. To find your local meetinghouse go here: LDS Maps Good luck, brother.

I'm going through one of the toughest, most stressful times I have ever known. I find it difficult to enjoy moments right now. But, I've been able to laugh at you, with you, and about you here at lds.net. And for that I thank you.

Ya'll crack me up.

Alright, kona. I took the plunge: 1. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (100%) 2. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (95%) 3. Jehovah's Witness (91%) 4. Eastern Orthodox (79%) 5. Roman Catholic (79%) 6. Orthodox Judaism (77%) 7. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (74%) 8. Baha'i Faith (69%) 9. Orthodox Quaker (69%) 10. Islam (68%) 11. Seventh Day Adventist (61%) 12. Sikhism (56%) 13. Hinduism (54%) 14. Jainism (49%) 15. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (47%) 16. Liberal Quakers (46%) 17. Mahayana Buddhism (46%) 18. Theravada Buddhism (44%) 19. Reform Judaism (38%) 20. Unitarian Universalism (36%) 21. Neo-Pagan (27%) 22. New Thought (25%) 23. Scientology (22%) 24. New Age (19%) 25. Nontheist (18%) 26. Taoism (16%) 27. Secular Humanism (14%) I CAN KEEP MY TR! It's interesting that I was baptized as a baby into an Eastern Orthodox church which is #4 on my list.

Ok, you and I are opposite. You aren't LDS and are scared this test will show you "are." I am LDS and am scared it will show me as not LDS.

I was raised in a home with an inactive mother and non-member father who wouldn't allow me to go to church. Through the years, we had missionaries, HT, and VT visit us regularly, sporadically, not at all, etc. The result of those visits was that when I was 18 I was baptized by my HT (who was completely surprised since I took the missionary discussions at BYU and waited until Christmas to get baptized by my HT--he had no idea). I served a mission and am now serving in my ward. My dad has softened so much towards the church. He still isn't a member, but he accepts HT visits (my mom passed away last year). Isn't that fun? A HT is assigned to my dad who is not a member and has attended church maybe 3 times total through 20+ years. No one knows of the influence he/she can and will have on individuals. Thank you lilered for your dedicated service.

I think he was fit to be tied. Or perhaps, running out of options.

This movie has some of THE best quotes: "You got a reindeer up your butt?" "I love you more than my luggage." "I've just been in a bad mood for the last 40 years."

I love the carbonation too! I love to drink sparkling water with either fresh lime or my favorite is Sour Apple Martini Mix. Yummy!

I can give up my Mt. Dew anytime I want....I just don't want to yet. Nope, not addicted. Never that. I don't care what my therapist says. What does he know? Shaking hands and rapid speech is normal, I tell you. NORMAL!

I get the strangest looks at movie theatres. I HATE Diet Coke. I can handle regular coke, but diet is NASTY. But I don't want all the calories. So, I always ask the nice little teen to mix 3/4 diet coke with 1/4 Cherry Coke (or Coke, or Mr. Pibb). I get a strange look because most of the time, the teen doesn't know his/her fractions (I then show on the cup where to draw the line). Then they think it's odd. Pepsi/Dr. Pepper--yummm.

Mexico, baby! I'm spending Christmas with my best friend and her family--they live in Mexico (for another 3 mo or so). First time I'll wear my Santa hat with a bathing suit! We'll have to modify Marco Polo to Santa Claus! No for me..nothing but . Instead of I'll be relaxing on the .

It's the tongue. You can't help but be mesmerized or tickled by it.

LOTR--Return of the King--cry like a baby. In fact, when I watch this movie at my friend's house, their 9 y/o daughter always makes sure that Kleenex are in reach of me.

I'll give the history of another favorite. I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day--words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Written as the poem "Christmas Bells" on Christmas Day in 1864 during the American Civil War. Longfellow had just received word that his son was wounded in battle. He had lost his wife 2 years earlier and felt despair over his loss. The first tune the poem was placed was a tune by John Baptiste Calkin (tune name is Waltham). This is the tune that I like the most. I love the words to this poem and absolutely hate it when we sing it in church and conductors stop after the 3rd verse.

You already gave the history of my favorite carol. My work is done.

No, unfortunately. Why can't we go on missions when we actually have brains? I never got their last name! Well, if I did, I have completely and totally forgotten it. So, I can't even do a search for them.

Mountain Dew!